ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Research On Quality Of Ganga River Water
Government has not received any request from National Mission for Clean Ganga  to conduct research on the use of Ganga river water as a cure to the Covid-19 virus. However, NMCG had sent two proposals viz., "Ganga Sediments could immunize against COVID19" and "Treatment of COVID-19 by Ganga Jal" on 28.4.2020 to Indian Council of Medical Research for examination at their end.
Central Pollution Control Board  has informed that based on water quality monitoring of river Ganga being carried out during Covid-19 period and studies conducted by them, State Pollution Control Boards  and other agencies to assess the impact of lockdown on the water quality of river Ganga and its tributaries, it has been observed that no definite trend exists in different water quality parameters observed for various stretches of river Ganga and its tributaries. However, varying degrees of improvement in a few water quality parameters have been observed as per CPCB and SPCB reports which may be attributed to various factors such as increased availability of fresh water due to rainfall in the river catchment, no industrial effluent discharge and reduced human activity such as restriction on bathing, ritual disposal, restricted tourism, solid waste, mass washing of clothes etc during the lockdown period.
During lockdown, it was ensured that all the sewage treatment plants  continue to function without any interruption. Guidelines were issued to follow all safety precautions while continuing the operation of STPs. The various interventions for abatement of pollutions of rivers have been continued. Some of them are given below:
- Financial assistance is being provided to States for setting up of sewage infrastructure and other pollution abatement activities under NamamiGange and National River Conservation Plan  of Ministry of Jal Shakti as well as AMRUT & Smart Cities Mission of Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.
- State Government have formulated river action plans to restore water quality of polluted river stretches for intercepting, diverting and treatment of municipal wastewater from urban centres.
- Regulation of Industrial Pollution is implemented through various provisions of Water  Act, 1974 under Consent mechanism by the respective State Pollution Control Board  and Pollution Control Committees .
- Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring Systems  are installed by 17- categories of industries and Grossly Polluting Industries  being established on industrial units in the country through the directives issued by CPCB for getting real time information on the effluent quality and non-complying units were identified and actions were taken against these units.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
Call on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Singapore Mr. Heng Swee Keat
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Singapore Mr. Heng Swee Keat called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi earlier today.
Deputy Prime Minister Keat conveyed regards of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister Emeritus Goh Chok Tong. Prime Minister Modi recalled his productive meetings with them and requested Deputy Prime Minister Keat to convey his best wishes to them.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed his appreciation for the participation of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in the special event to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the United Nations in New York last month.
Deputy Prime Minister Keat pointed to the transformative steps taken by Government of India, and noted the consequent enhancement in investment opportunities, particularly in India’s infrastructure sector. He also highlighted the increasing cooperation between India and Singapore in the technology sector, including FinTech.
Prime Minister Modi expressed happiness at growing investment and trade relations between the two countries. He stated that the launch of RuPay Card and BHIM app in Singapore has greatly enhanced the ease of financial transactions. He also noted the successful organization of the second Joint Hackathon in Chennai with participation of Singaporean students. He highlighted that all these developments symbolizes the close community, business and innovation partnership between the two countries.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Israel on Cooperation in the Oil and Gas Sector
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Israel on cooperation in the Oil and Gas Sector.
The MoU is expected to provide impetus to India - Israel ties in the energy sector. The cooperation envisaged under the agreement will facilitate promotion of investments in each other's countries, technology transfer, R&D, conducting joint studies, capacity building of human resources and collaboration in the area of Start-ups.
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Ministry of Finance
Cabinet approves the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2019
Bill to be introduced in ensuing session of Parliament
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2019. It will replace the banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Ordinance, 2019.
The banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2019 will replace the Ordinance promulgated on 21st February, 2019, which will otherwise cease to operate after six weeks after reassembly of Parliament.
Impact
The Bill will help tackle the menace of illicit deposit taking activities in the country, which at present are exploiting regulatory gaps and lack of strict administrative measures to dupe poor and gullible people of their hard-earned savings.
Background
The banning of Unregulated Deposit Scheme Bill, 2018 was considered by the Lok Sabha in its sitting held on 13th February, 2019 and after discussion, the same was passed, as amended through the proposed official amendments, as the banning of Unregulated Deposit Scheme Bill, 2019. However, before the same could be considered and passed in the Rajya Sabha, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on the same day.
Ministry of Tourism
Union Minister of State  for Tourism & Culture Shri Prahlad Singh Patel virtually inaugurates the ABTO  International Convention
The Union Minister of State  for Tourism & Culture Shri Prahlad Singh Patel virtually inaugurated the ABTO  International Convention in New Delhi today.
ABTO Convention a three-day event is being held in partnership with Ministry of Tourism from 10-12 Dec 2020 in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Addressing on the occasion, the Union Minister said that Government has been making special efforts to promote Buddhist tourism in the country. Highlighting that over the last six years Government has taken several measures in this regard, he mentioned about Swadesh Darshan Scheme and PRASHAD Yojana. He said that the Ministry has sanctioned more than Rs 350 cr for the development of Buddhist Sites under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and more than Rs.900 crore have been sanctioned under the PRASHAD Scheme.
Talking about other steps taken, Minister Shri Patel said that Signages in Sinhali language at Sanchi monument in Madhya Pradesh and Signages in Chinese language at Sravasti and Sarnath have also been installed. The Minister added that we have decided that wherever footfall of foreign tourists from a particular country is more than one lakh; signages in their languages will be placed for their convenience and comfort.
Shri Patel also said that as ASI is re-listing the Monuments and in the coming days, the number of the Monuments may increase significantly. Shri Patel added that the government is trying to provide tourist facilitators at significant locations to give correct information to tourists. He also said that stakeholders share their inputs and any difficulty being faced by them with the Ministry of Tourism, we will take them as suggestions and try our best to resolve them.
Shri Patel also stated that the Tourism Ministry is making efforts to register accommodation units in the country in the Ministry’s portal National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry . Till date, around 32000 accommodation units have been registered on the portal which was activated this year.
Process is under way to have information related to tourism, such as details about hotels and other facilities at tourist destinations. This portal will also provide information about tours and travels, he said. The Minister appealed to tours and travels operators to register themselves for this special portal.
Prime Minister's Office
Phone call between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and H.E. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a phone call today with H. E. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic.
Prime Minister Modi thanked President Macron for the assistance rendered by France to India’s Covid response. The leaders discussed bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest, and expressed their satisfaction at the positive outcomes of the recently concluded India-EU Leaders’ Meeting. Both the leaders agreed that the announcements regarding resumption of negotiations for balanced and comprehensive free trade and investment agreements, and India-EU Connectivity Partnership were welcome steps.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the depth and strength that the India-France Strategic Partnership has acquired in recent years and agreed to continue working closely together in the post-COVID era.
Prime Minister Modi also reiterated his invitation to President Macron to visit India as soon as conditions permit.
Ministry of Textiles
Visit of Shri Lalitkumar Fatechand Shah, Khadi and Village Industries Commission Expert Member  on 13.09.2023 at NIFT Gandhinagar Campus
Shri Lalitkumar Fatechand Shah recently had a meeting with Prof Dr Sameer Sood, Director NIFT Gandhinagar. This meeting aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between KVIC and NIFT Gandhinagar.
Shri Lalitkumar Fatechand Shah provided with an extensive tour of our campus, with a focus on the areas of mutual interest. During the campus tour has visited Accessory Design Department, Fashion Design Department Labs, Classrooms, Resource Centre, Centre of Excellence for Khadi  and interacted with faculty members.
Prof Dr Sameer Sood, Director NIFT Gandhinagar given invaluable insight into emerging trends, sustainable practices, and the intersection of design and technology.
He was very happy to visit Resource Centre that serves as a treasure trove of textiles, artifacts, and research materials, showcasing the rich heritage and traditional crafts. Shri Lalitkumar Shah tried his hands on the “Gandhi charkha”, a wooden spinning wheel used to spin yarn, which is later woven into fabric at CoEK  Gandhinagar. Mr Abhishek Yadav, Centre Head, CoEK Gandhinagar and Ms Vibha Mittal, Associate Designer briefed everyone on the ongoing projects, which include training programs, design and product development activities and providing technical support to Khadi Institutions. Guests were shown the range of textiles and apparel that CoEK has developed with the Khadi Institutions of Gujarat. There was an exchange of some valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the Khadi sector. There was a discussion on ways to promote khadi, such as creating sample swatch books, converting khadi fabric into apparel for all age groups and providing complete wardrobe solutions across various apparel categories, be it casual, street, formal or ethnic wear categories for both genders.
Prof Dr Sameer Sood, Director NIFT Gandhinagar said that Khadi is a sustainable and eco-friendly fabric that has a long history in India and NIFT Gandhinagar, CoEK and KVIC team can explored the possibilities of presenting Khadi at various upcoming events to promote this traditional fabric and make it more popular with people of all ages.
At the last he has visited the art exhibition centre where students showcased the artistic display on Krishna.
NIFT Gandhinagar is immensely grateful for Shri Shah's insightful visit, which reflects the commitment of KVIC to preserving and promoting Khadi in the modern era. Such interactions serve as catalysts for innovation and progress in the realm of fashion and traditional crafts.
CB/GP/JD
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Ministry of Home Affairs
The Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, for the approval of the PLI  scheme for the Textile Industry by the Union Cabinet
In last 7 years, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has taken many meaningful steps to make the textile sector self-reliant
Today, taking another step forward in this direction, the Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the PLI scheme of ₹10,683 crore for the textile industry
This far-sighted decision will increase India's dominance in the global textile market as well as create about 7.5 lakh new employment opportunities in the rural sector, which will especially further empower women"
"I express my heartfelt gratitude to Shri Narendra Modi for this welfare decision"
The Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah has expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for approving the PLI  scheme for the textile industry by the Union Cabinet.
In his tweets, Shri Amit Shah said that in the last 7 years, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has taken many meaningful steps to make the textile sector self-reliant. Today, taking another step forward in this direction, the Union Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modihas approved a PLI scheme of ₹10,683 crore for the textile industry.
The Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperationsaid that “This visionary decision will increase the dominance of India in the global textile market and will create about 7.5 lakh new employment opportunities in the rural sector, which will especially empower women. I thank Shri Narendra Modi for this welfare decision. I express my heartfelt gratitude to Shri Narendra Modi ji".
Ministry of Finance
Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2022-23  – Issue Price
In terms of Government of India Notification No.4-B/2022 dated December 15, 2022, Sovereign Gold Bonds 2022-23  will be opened for subscription during the period December 19-23, 2022 with Settlement date December 27, 2022. The issue price of the Bond during the subscription period shall be Rs 5,409  per gram, as also published by RBI in their Press Release dated December 16, 2022.
The Government of India in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India has decided to allow discount of Rs 50  per gram from the issue price to those investors who apply online and the payment is made through digital mode. For such investors the issue price of Gold Bond will be Rs 5,359  per gram of gold.
President's Secretariat
President of India to Inaugurate The 80th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference at Kevadia Tomorrow
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, will visit Gujarat  tomorrow  to inaugurate the 80th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference. The two-day Conference is being organized by the Lok Sabha to celebrate the Constitution Day.
Ministry of Science & Technology
CSIR-CDRI Scientist Dr Saman Habib elected as fellow of Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi
Dr Habib bagged fellowship of all three premier Science Academies of India
Dr. Saman Habib, Chief Scientist and Professor  in Molecular Biology Division, CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow brought the laurels to the Institute again through her outstanding work for understanding the malaria parasite. She is elected as fellow of Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi. Her research group’s interest in the malaria parasite is driven by the desire to understand  the molecular workings and functions of the relict plastid  of Plasmodium,  mechanisms of protein translation employed by Plasmodium organelles and  human genetic factors and susceptibility to severe P. falciparum malaria in endemic and non-endemic regions of India.
Other important honours and awards in her credit:
- Fellow of Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore 
- Fellow of The National Academy of Sciences India, Allahabad 
- National Women Bio-scientist Award, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India 
- Prof. BK Bachhawat Memorial Lecture Award, National Academy of Sciences, India 
- CSIR Young Scientist Award, CSIR 
The Indian National Science Academy
The Indian National Science Academy was established in January 1935 with the object of promoting science in India and harnessing scientific knowledge for the cause of humanity and national welfare. Promotion of scientific knowledge in India including its practical application to problems of national welfare. The major objectives of Indian National Science Academy are:
- Coordination among Scientific Academies, Societies, Institutions, Government Scientific Departments and Services.
- To act as a body of scientists of eminence for the promotion and safeguarding of the interests of scientists in India and to present internationally the scientific work done in the country.
- To act through properly constituted National Committees, in which other learned academies and societies may be associated, for undertaking scientific work of national and international importance which the Academy may be called upon to perform by the public and by the Government.
President's Secretariat
Officer Trainees of Class-I Accounts and Finance Service Call on The President
Forty-one officer trainees of Class-I Accounts and Finance Service attending 25th Professional Training Course at the National Institute of Financial Management, Faridabad, called on the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, today  at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Addressing the officers trainees, the President said their work and responsibilities sit at the defining edge of “good governance” in the country. Therefore, they have to maintain the highest standard of ethics, accountability and transparency at all times in their respective fields. They have equally critical role to play in implementation of government schemes and projects.
The President said that the mantra of our Government is “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance”. At the same time, there is rising expectation among our citizens for greater efficiency in public service delivery today. The task at hand for civil servants is demanding. But with greater integration of technology in their work, be it new IT platforms, payment gateways or the endless possibilities of cyberspace, they can achieve the desired results. Reforming our accounting, budget and audit systems and constantly updating them in line with global best practices must also be high on their agenda.
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves acquisition of 37.40% of the paid up share capital and joint control of Adani Gas Limited by Total Holdings SAS
The Competition Commission of India  approves the acquisition of 37.40% of the paid up share capital and joint control of Adani Gas Limited  by Total Holdings SAS, under Section 31 of the Competition Act, 2002 
Total Holdings, a 100% subsidiary of Total S.A. , is the ultimate parent company of the Total group entities worldwide. Total, together with its subsidiaries, is an international integrated energy producer. Total Group is engaged in oil and gas industry, including upstream operations in hydrocarbon exploration, development and production, and downstream operations in refining, petrochemicals, specialty chemicals, trading and shipping of crude oil and petroleum products and marketing. In India, through its subsidiaries, joint ventures and minority interests, Total Group exports natural gas at wholesale level to Indian coasts where the respective customers purchase and import its natural gas into India.
AGL is engaged in the wholesale supply of natural gas and downstream  supply of natural gas through city gas distribution  networks to industrial, commercial, domestic and automotive customers in India .
The CCI approved the proposed combination under Section 31 of the Act.
A detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
ENCROACHMENT ON PONDS
Water being a State subject, it is for the State Governments concerned to take cognizance of encroachment on different ponds in the State, and to take up programmes and schemes for protection and restoration of its water bodies against encroachment.
However, in order to supplement the efforts of the State Governments, Government of India has taken a number of important initiatives for enumeration, conservation and development of water bodies, details of which are as below:
In 2019, Jal Shakti Abhiyan was launched by the Government. This was followed in 2021, by “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch The Rain”  campaign. Focused interventions under these annual campaigns taken up by the Government of India and the State Governments, inter-alia, include renovation of traditional and other water bodies/ tanks, enumeration, geo-tagging and making inventory of all water bodies, and removal of encroachments of tanks/lakes, and de-silting of tanks.
As per the 5th Minor Irrigation Census conducted by Ministry of Jal Shakti with reference year 2013-14, there are 5,16,303 water bodies in the rural areas of the country which are being used for minor irrigation, out of which 53,396 are not in use for various reasons such as non-availability of water, siltation, salinity, etc.
Government of India has launched the first Census of water bodies in convergence with the Sixth round of Minor Irrigation Census , under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme – “Irrigation Census”. The objective of the Census of Water bodies is to develop a national database for all water bodies in the country.
Ministry of Jal Shakti is providing financial assistance to the identified schemes under Repair, Renovation and Restoration  of Water Bodies and Surface Minor Irrigation component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana -Har Khet Ko Pani . Since XII plan onwards, financial assistance has been provided for RRR of 2,228 water bodies in the country, out of which 51 water bodies belong to Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Against the total outlay of Rs. 1,914.86 crore for these water bodies, central assistance of Rs. 469.69 crore has been released to various states upto March, 2021. Further, 1549 water bodies have been completed upto March, 2021, as reported by States. Target irrigation potential restoration of these schemes is 1.89 lakh hectare, out of which 1.31 lakh hectare is reported to be restored till March, 2021.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme  has provisions for public works relating to natural resource management, water conservation and water harvesting structures to augment and improve ground water like underground dykes, earthen dams, stop dams, check dams and roof top rain water harvesting structures in public buildings.
This Information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Bishweswar Tudu in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.